"Good start for him, and he felt good afterward," said manager Bob Melvin, "so that's important."

It doesn't mean he's ready to join the big league club just yet, though. O'Flaherty will continue his rehab on a Spring Training-like progression, so it's likely he makes at least five more Minor League appearances.

Melvin, however, doesn't believe he'll need to pitch on consecutive days, like most clubs have their relievers do in advance of the season, so it's plausible O'Flaherty's return could still come before month's end.